Micheál Martin should step down this year, say Fianna Fáil TDs, MEPs, and senators

A solid majority of parliamentary party members tell the 'Irish Examiner' Mr Martin should quit after Ireland's EU presidency — with Jim O’Callaghan and Dara Calleary frontrunners to take his place

Taoiseach Micheál Martin. See the 'Irish Examiner' (print and online) on Monday for Elaine Loughlin's analysis of the views of 51 Fianna Fáil TDs, senators, and MEPs. Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin/PA

A solid majority of Micheál Martin’s Fianna Fáil colleagues surveyed by the  Irish Examiner believe he should stand down as party leader at the end of the year, with Jim O’Callaghan and Dara Calleary emerging as frontrunners to take over as leader.

There is now a general consensus among Fianna Fáil TDs, senators, and MEPs that Mr Martin should be allowed to steer Ireland through the EU presidency, which runs until the end of December, but “a conversation” will be required immediately after that.